National News

Headteacher's tribute to Jasmyn, 14

A headteacher has paid tribute to a "bright, lively and popular" 14-year-old who died in a hit-and-run collision.

Jasmyn Chan was crossing a road near her home in Sheffield on Friday evening when she was hit by a car which then left the scene.

Police are investigation reports she was trying to help a 12-year-old friend get out of the way of the vehicle when both of the girls were hit.

South Yorkshire Police has appealed for the motorist to come forward saying it is "just a matter of time until we catch this driver".

In a statement, Steve Robinson, the executive head of Birley Community College, in Sheffield, said: " As many of you will know, Jasmyn Chan, one of our Year 10 students, was tragically killed on Friday evening in a hit-and run accident.

"Our thoughts are with Jasmyn's family and friends at this very difficult time. As a school community we mourn the loss of a bright, lively and popular student who touched many lives."

Mr Robinson said: " In school we will be providing support for our students to help them start to come to terms with the feelings of loss and grief they might have while trying to maintain as normal a routine as possible for the majority of the school community."

He said students have said they want to bring flowers to school in memory of Jasmyn and he said an area was being set-aside for tributes.

Last night, Chief Inspector Stuart Walne, said: " I am certain it is just a matter of time until we catch this driver and can ascertain exactly what happened at 9.20pm on Friday night on Normanton Hill.

"I am also renewing my request to the driver of this car to hand themselves in.

"Put yourself in the situation that Jasmyn's family and friends are now in. Think about what they are going through. Do the right thing and come forward."

Jasmyn - known as Jazzy - was crossing Normanton Hill with four other youngsters when the crash happened, according to friends laying flowers at the scene.

Three of the group of boys and girls, who had been in Richmond Park, made it to the other side but the car was in collision with Jasmyn and the 12-year-old girl.

Jasmyn suffered fatal injuries and the other girl was taken to hospital for treatment but later released.

Dozens of floral tributes to the teenager have been laid around a signpost by the road, and a steady stream of friends came to the spot during the weekend. Some of the youngsters sat together around the flowers in an impromptu vigil, many in tears.

They said they had been told Jasmyn had gone to the aid of the younger girl when they were both hit by the vehicle, and police are understood to be investigating this possibility.

The accident happened at the bottom of a long, straight hill on the 30mph road. Skid marks stretching for about 70 metres could clearly be seen on the road surface yesterday.

Officers have said the car has been described as small and dark-coloured, possibly green, and maybe a Volkswagen or a Honda. Mr Walne said it will have damage to the front and the driver's offside.

Jasmyn lived with her parents and younger sister just a few hundred yards from where the crash happened.